An Air Show Like No Other

Everyone loves a good air show. The action from tactical fighter jets performing precision maneuvers a few hundred feet above your head is fast-paced and exciting. The wide range of historical aircraft displays on the ground give onlookers and their families a chance to travel back in time and literally touch history. And yes, you can meet real pilots, marvel at professional skydivers, take amazing photos and selfies, eat the best food, buy souvenirs, and so much more.

For 32 years, one of the top civilian aviation events in the country has been right here in the Alliance area. While the past two years have featured modified shows in response to the pandemic, officials say this year promises to be a spectacle like no other.

The AllianceTexas Aviation Expo Presented by Bell, formerly known as the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, is BACK.

“We are getting back to what makes this show so great every year,” said Christian Childs, president of the aviation companies at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport. “For the past two years, visitors have had to sit in their cars and watch flying demonstrations from a distance because of COVID-19. They couldn’t engage and get up close and personal with the aircraft, various displays, pilots, etc. Now, we are bringing all of that and more back. By no means should anyone feel slighted by this year’s show.”

He added, “We are excited. In fact, everyone should get their tickets sooner rather than later. We are expecting to sell out.”

The AllianceTexas Aviation Expo — slated for October 22 — isn’t the only air show or aviation expo in the country or state. But it has had a tremendous run of being one of the top air show attractions in the country, reeling in anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 people every year before the pandemic. It previously placed first among “Best Air Shows” in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is dedicated to bringing family entertainment to North Texas, supporting local communities, and opening doors to careers in aviation and aerospace.

Founded in 1991, the Alliance Air Show was known as the Fort Worth International Air Show and was produced by the Aviation Heritage Association. In 2006, Alliance Air Services created a nonprofit organization called Alliance Air Productions, a Hillwood entity, to produce the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show.

The Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show has since transformed into a one-day-only event and adopted a new name in 2022.

This year’s event ushers in the return of the touch and tour aircraft displays on the Flight Line. Visitors can touch and tour numerous civilian and military aircraft, talk to pilots and other aviation professionals, shop for food, concessions, and gifts at various festival-type exhibitor stations, and more. This feature will be open for five hours before the aerial acts.

From there, fans experience North Texas’ only showcase of world-renowned jet teams and aerial performers. This year’s headliner is the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Bell 505 Fly-By, and the National Anthem Flag Presentation by the Re/MAX Skydiving Team.

Parking is expected to open at 10 a.m., with the Flight Line slated to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aerial Acts begin at 4 p.m. Aircraft performers and times are subject to change.

“Alliance Air Productions is excited to have rebranded the annual event to include a new name, entertainment schedule, and modified features to evolve with the increased growth and activity at Fort Worth Alliance Airport,” said Christina Carey, director of special projects for Alliance Air Productions. “This one-day expo is expected to attract more than 40,000 attendees.”

Childs agreed, adding that a lot has gone into making this year’s event a success.

“It’s a one-day show rather than two, but it’s jam-packed with everything everyone loves about the show,” Childs said. “We have had a tremendous run of being a top performer in what we do. And as the airport evolves, the air show has to evolve, too.”

Parking tickets, premium seating, and an exclusive area for photographers are available for purchase at their website.